Warning to Hartlepool parents as police continue anti-social behaviour crackdown

Cleveland Fire Brigade have been called to 20 incidents at the site since April.

Hartlepool officers have made the plea during the current Antisocial Behaviour Awareness Week, which continues until July 24, while also highlighting their recent work across the town.

Neighbourhood police officers work with Hartlepool Borough Council and Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police in the town’s Community Safety Team (CST) to tackle issues identified by residents.

These have included new safety measures at derelict care home Admiral Court, which has become a target for arsonists, and issuing a closure order on a property in the town’s Leyburn Street, which attracted complaints about prostitution, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

Cleveland Police have highlighted their recent work to tackle anti-social behaviour across Hartlepool.

Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Mark Haworth said: “Addressing ASB is a matter for everyone and we are lucky to have the Community Safety Partnership where everyone is committed to tackling the issues which can spoil quality of life for the law-abiding majority.

"I’d also urge parents and carers to reiterate our messages to children and young people that getting involved in ASB can have serious consequences.”

Cleveland Police say drug dealing can cause associated ASB and crime for people living nearby and that they execute warrants “on practically a weekly basis” – making arrests and service closure orders on properties where repeat crime or ASB is proven to be taking place.

Crime prevention is also a priority with officers visiting many of the town’s schools, speaking to youngsters on a variety of subjects including ASB, hate crime, and cyber bullying.

The work of Special Constabulary officers has been highlighted as well.

The volunteer officers recently co-ordinated patrols in the town’s Ward Jackson Park after a rise in reports of anti-social behaviour there.

PCSO Cath Jones, with ongoing support from Seymour Civil Engineering, has also been working with landowners and farmers to protect crops, livestock and public footpaths from nuisance use of off-road bikes and quads.

There are also live streamed presentations – reaching well over 3,000 people across the wider Tees Valley area – as well as online meetings, assemblies and presentations.

Anyone wishing to report anti-social behaviour can do so by calling Cleveland Police on the 101 number.

Police say people should always use 999 in an emergency.